He lined up soccer balls in that red clay yard Juggled ’em till the daylight’s gone Deck of cards in his back pocket Always tryin’ to see how things work Quiet kid with a sideways grin Teasin’ his brother just enough Always chasin’ some brand new skill Like learnin’ still wasn’t enough When he was small I’d hold him up Stand him steady on his feet I’d growl down low, “I’m a monster now” He’d laugh right back at me And I’m proud of the man he’s become Sure and steady in his ways Thoughtful in ways I never was Strong in quieter ways I used to lace up little cleats Wipe the dirt off where he stood Now I shake his hand and tell him slow Be safe… work hard… be good Seventeen came quick that year Signed his name soon as he could Didn’t ask what I might think Just stood there sure he should Boot camp changed the way he walked Changed the way he’d stand He came back home that summer Not my boy ... but my man Tried out space and engineering Said it didn’t feel right Sometimes knowin’ what’s not yours Helps you see your life And I’m proud of the man he’s become Always steady from the start Never needed me to lead him Just needed room and heart I raised him close, then let him go Like every father should I pull him in and tell him low Be safe… work hard… be good Four long years he waited patient Raised his hand each time Till they finally called his number Sent him over distant lines I never wore a uniform Never served this land But I see a quiet courage When he shakes my hand This old house still feels like him From the yard out to the stove From early mornings workin’ side by side To roads we used to roam Yeah I’m proud of the man he’s become Braver than he lets on Carryin’ more than just himself Carryin’ where he’s from I used to lift him to his feet Now he stands where grown men stood I look him in the eye and say Be safe… work hard… be good I’ll be right here when he comes back home Like I always said I would Be safe… Work hard… Be good...
